With the C’s final preseason game arriving today, the time has come for the final cuts to be made to the team’s preseason roster. I asked Doc specifically yesterday just how close he was to deciding on the final 15, and he announced the team would finalize the roster either right before or after tonight’s game against Toronto. Why so soon?

“Mainly because we just want to get to the guys we’re going to have.” Rivers explained, “And I only bought 15 Christmas gifts.” With the health problems for Jeff Green, the chances of making the team rose exponentially for training camp invites, Greg Stiemsma and wing Gilbert Brown. The two of those guys would have likely be fighting it out for one final spot on the team otherwise, but with Green out for the season, those two look like shoe-ins for the final two spots. The only other competition at this point for them are centers Jamal Sampson, who was absent for practice once again on Tuesday and Michael Sweetney. Needless to say, those guys should be feeling pretty good about their chances right now of landing spots with non-guaranteed deals.

The other thing that Danny Ainge may try to do is fill the roster with a free agent, or a player he likes that is waived during training camp.Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported that the C’s weren’t in the running for James Posey who would be one of the likely candidates. DeShawn Stevenson is a name that has been brought up a lot, but he hasn’t been linked to the C’s at all yet. I’d say it is unlikely Danny replaces Brown and Stiemsma from the outside with these spots before training camp starts, but by no means should the two of them feel comfortable, as buyout additions as well as trades are obviously a major possibility. There are still many players (mostly former Nuggets) trapped in China for the rest of their regular season, but the majority of these guys (Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, Wilson Chandler) are out of the C’s price range at the veteran’s minimum, unless Doc and company can do a terrific sell job.

One of the final free agent candidates to fill this roster spot spurned the C’s yesterday for — and I can’t believe I’m saying this….the Los Angeles Clippers?!?According to the Los Angeles Times:

The Clippers are close to signing veteran free agent forward/center Reggie Evans to a one-year deal for about $1.3 million, according to a basketball executive who was not authorized to speak publicly about the deal.

Evans, 31, has played for four teams over nine seasons in the NBA.

Boston was reportedly in the running for Evans, along with 3-4 other teams. To be fair, the Clippers have a bigger need for him right now off the bench, than the C’s, as he would have to deal with Bass, Wilcox, etc. to break into the rotation. They also (arguably) have the better roster. For depth and rebounding purposes however, this one has to hurt a bit, especially given he could have been had at the minimum.

With that said, here’s what the final roster is shaping up to look like for the opener (barring late free agent pickups):

Big pick up for the Clips. If I were Evans I would have done the same. CP3, plus playing time.

I think Celts should hold onto Steeze and let Gilbert Brown walk. Sign Stevenson and roll the dice on catching fire in the playoffs…which is totally within the realm of possibilities.

Roll Celts.

Mike

We def. could use another wing to replace Green functions (scoring off the bench and defense) and a center couldn't hurt too. But scoring off the bench (and 3 point range!) is something the team clearly needs.

SteveB

Pretty happy with the team as it stands. One addition I would like that I haven't heard talked about much is a 3 point threat. A Jason Kapono, Eddie House type, strictly for his shooting ability. Other than Ray I'm not sure who the team looks to for that. Maybe Moore, Brown and Dooling will produce from downtown. Other than that there appears to be depth at every position. Of course last year we wondered what the team would do with all those centers on the roster. Can't wait for the season to start.

janos

Hi Bryan, is Janos
who is best players free agenc next season, probably not paul howard but still good ones?
sometime NBA Celtics best look forward next season if not get player good this time. Big three do a good one this year i hopes, but could fall short due conspiracys and lack talent. mostly conspircys.

Brian

Like it matters where Reggie Evans ends up! The guys still out on the street are there for a reason and if they aren't gonna get anything but Veterans min then most of them want to flock with the rest of the frontrunning players in LA, NY, or South Beach. The hell with em! If the C's can't win it this year I hope Dallas, Chicago, or OKC can pull it out. Tired of celebrities and the teams they support. F— the Heat, Lakers, Knicks, Clippers and Nets.

Kricky

I'm kind of surprised Evans couldn't get more money. He's a great rebounder.
I'm also disapointed that he didn't choose the Cs. I think he'd have gotten more PT here backing up JO than backing up a young stud like Jordan.

The ship is sinking, folks. Even the bargain basement guys prefer to go elsewhere

smalltownID

When are we going to get the comparison on how much of a downgrade from Delonte to Dooling it was??? I am pissed about this still. And do we really think Avery is going to have a breakout season? Come on. The Hybrid is in there because Avery can't do anything with confidence at this level.

KGJOCK

Sign Al Thornton and let's get on with it. He's young (28) and has shown promise before and an ability to score (47% shooter). He can't shoot 3's, but he could help provide some depth on the bench, and he will possibly sign for the 1.3M vet minimum (which is all we have to offer). Let's go C's!!